Learning from the Goddesses
Our team has recently developed a creative experiential workshop for a group of female leaders. The workshop, which combines psychology, mythology, and arts therapy, will take place in Athens, under the Acropolis. The theme focuses on the power of feminine archetypes as embodied by the Greek Goddesses for contemporary female leaders.
Our team has a wide range of experiences in business and clinical settings, with over twenty years of practice in psychology, movement therapy, and mindfulness. We create bespoke experiential workshops for organisations and businesses, integrating mind and body interventions that cultivate resilience, facilitate well-being, and strengthen team relationships. Two of our previous clients include Google and Zara.
The Greek goddesses* offer valuable lessons and inspiration for female leaders as they can be role models of power, responsibility, energy, passion and authenticity.
They collectively support, guide, and protect various facets of life especially at times of uncertainty by embodying qualities of strength, resilience, and wisdom.
Each Goddess expresses in a unique way the power, vitality and creative expression of a female leader. Although, individuals might identify immediately with their predominant archetype, upon further exploration they may recognise that there are also other archetypes ‘working’ within themselves at the same time. Sometimes, there might be latent archetypes, craving for expression if they are given the opportunity to come to life.
The archetypical female leaders
Athena (Goddess of Wisdom, Strategy and Craft): Athena embodies qualities such as wisdom, strategy, courage, and independence. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Athena's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and calm demeanour in challenging situations. Athena's emphasis on intellect and skill rather than brute force can serve as a model for leadership that values intelligence, diplomacy, and rational decision-making.
Artemis (Goddess of the Hunt, Wilderness, & the Moon): Artemis represents independence, strength, and resilience. She is often depicted as a fierce protector of nature and wildlife. A personification of the independent, competitive woman with a sense of sisterhood, quick to act, to punish and protect. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Artemis's connection to the natural world, her commitment to her principles, and her willingness to challenge traditional gender roles.
Hestia (Goddess of the Hearth and Home): Hestia embodies qualities such as warmth, compassion, and stability. She is associated with the home, family, and community. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Hestia's nurturing and supportive nature, her ability to create a sense of belonging and unity, and her focus on creating a safe and harmonious environment. Hestia's emphasis on nurturing relationships and fostering a sense of community can inspire female leaders to prioritize collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity in their leadership style.
The archetypal female leaders Goddesses prioritize autonomy, competency; and pursuing what is personally meaningful
The transformational female leaders
Demeter (Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility): Demeter represents nurturing, growth, and abundance. She is often associated with agriculture, fertility, and the cycles of nature. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Demeter's nurturing and maternal qualities, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her commitment to nurturing growth and development in a holistic rather than competitive way. Demeter's emphasis on sustainability, nourishment, and caring for others can inspire female leaders to prioritize the well-being and growth of their teams and organizations.
Hera (Goddess of Marriage and Queen of the Gods): Despite Hera's traditional association with marriage and family, her mythology is characterized by her strength, determination, and assertiveness. Hera is often depicted as a powerful and authoritative figure who demands respect and commands authority. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Hera's confidence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her principles and others. Hera's resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to assert herself in a male-dominated pantheon can inspire female leaders to assert their own authority and advocate for their interests in a patriarchal world.
Persephone (Queen of the Underworld, and Spring): Persephone's myth is one of transformation, resilience, and empowerment. Despite being abducted by Hades and forced to live in the underworld, Persephone ultimately emerges as a powerful and influential figure. Despite the’ darkness’ of the underworld, she remains pure and incorruptible. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Persephone's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, as well as her ability to adapt and thrive in challenging circumstances without compromising her own values. Persephone's resilience in the face of adversity and her eventual ascent to power can inspire female leaders to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and assert their own agency in a patriarchal world.
The transformational Goddesses demonstrate great ability for attunement, affiliation and bonding. Their myths highlight that there is the potential for growth and transformation even when there is hardship, loss and suffering.
The Alchemical Goddess
Aphrodite - the Alchemical Goddess (Goddess of Love and Beauty): Aphrodite is often associated with femininity, beauty, and love, but her mythology also highlights her strength, independence, and assertiveness. Aphrodite is depicted as a powerful and influential figure who commands the love and devotion of both mortals and gods alike. Female leaders can draw inspiration from Aphrodite's confidence, charisma, and ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Aphrodite's assertiveness in pursuing her desires and her willingness to challenge traditional gender roles can inspire female leaders to embrace their own power, cultivate their strengths, and pursue their goals with passion and determination. She is the “alchemical” goddess governing a woman’s enjoyment of love and beauty, sexuality and sensuality. She impels women to fulfil both creative and procreative desires; and to be open to change. In this sense she might be the biggest risk tasker out of all other Goddesses archetypes.
By drawing inspiration from the qualities and archetypal symbolism of the Greek goddesses, female leaders can cultivate a leadership style that is authentic, empowering, and impactful in navigating, and challenging existing structures of power. These goddesses offer powerful narratives and symbols that can inspire female leaders to embrace their strengths, assert their voice, and lead with confidence and resilience, with power and responsibility.
We bet that if you are a female and have read the article so far, you might have some sort of idea by now of who your Goddess within could be.
*Our female leaders classification is inspired by Jean Shinoda Bolen’s book: Goddesses in Everywoman